“And why is that?”
As he leaned over even further, I was gifted with the scent of his aftershave; rich in woodsy tones with a hint of citrus and cardamom, an intoxicating combination.
“Because I usually take what I want.”
Okay, there was his first mistake, but I wouldn’t hold it against him. Yes, I’d been waiting for a man to say those words to me, but not just any man. Maybe I was picky. I’d allow him one more before tossing him aside. I leaned over, taking the moment of control. “Then I must warn you. I’m not an easy woman to obtain. I tend to… strike as a predator would do, leaving my victims immobile. Only then do I decide their fate.”
The moment of silence was priceless. A slow and steady smile crossed his face. “Highly appealing.”
“Well, then,” I continued, leaning back against the seat, a move to provide me with distance. “What do you do?”
“Let’s just say I handle situations others would prefer not to.”
The answer was fascinating. And somewhat alarming.
He must have noticed my look of confusion, his laugh creating another wave of tingles.
“I’m an attorney. I work very hard to help people out of… difficult situations.”
“Ah.” That made sense, although…
The bell went off and I sighed.
While he immediately stood, he leaned over the table, not so close I’d be alarmed, but with eyes sweeping over me offering promise. “Until we meet again. And I certainly hope we do.”
“Yes. We will see.” I held a slight smile, waiting until he walked away. If there was one thing about speed dating that surprised me, other than the shit some of the guys had said, was how exhausting the game was. And that’s what it was. All one big game.
I pulled out the score card, trying to decide if it was even worth my time with the guy. Oh, what the hell. At least I could tell Kylie I’d selected one of them. How many more to go before I could escape?
I closed my eyes, rubbing my temple, surprised I also had a slight headache. Maybe from consuming wine so quickly.
Sensing movement, I was already annoyed since the bell hadn’t gone off, indicating the start of another adventure.
“Look, buddy. I appreciate your eagerness, but I need a couple minutes.” I was trying to use my nice voice. However, the sound came out highly annoyed.
When I heard a dark chuckle, I almost thought the previous date had returned.
Until he spoke a few words.
In Italian.
“Attenta, piccola strega, il pericolo ti circonda.”
My eyes cinched shut while I processed what I’d just heard.
Be careful, little witch, danger surrounds you.
Was this… man kidding me?
“The last man who called me a witch had learned how powerful I was. Now, he’s currently residing in the Lafayette Cemetery where he regularly converses with Satan.”
When he chuckled again, even daring to drum his fingers on the table’s surface, I slowly lifted my head. If steam could physically puff from my ears, it would be happening. I gripped the edge of the table with both hands to keep from yanking my prized dagger from my purse and driving the blade between his eyes, or at minimum making a scene.
I snapped my head in his direction, sucking in and holding my breath. Even counting to five before I blew hair from my face and addressed the bastard. “What in the fuck are you doing here?”
Donatello Giovanni was my brother Jaxon’s best friend. He was also a high-powered Capo within the family’s regime, an enforcer with a penchant for violence. Or maybe justdeath. Considered one of the most dangerous predators in the syndicate, blood soaked more than just his skin.
Oddly enough, he had also been the man that after first meeting him, I’d made a promise to myself that I would marry him one day.
